ANNUAL REPORT 2007

President’s Report (John Langmore).

The UNAA’s goals are (a) to promote among Australians greater awareness of the purposes of the United Nations, and (b) to ensure that the Australian Government fulfils its obligations as a member-state of the UN. UNAA organises educational events, makes submissions to government and parliament, participates in UN day and year activities, develops alliances, provides advice, and generally acts as a link between the UN and Australians. It is a member of the World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA), and has a formal link with the UN Department of Public Information. UNAA is governed by a Federal Council which meets annually and determines policy. Federal Council elects a representative Executive Committee to take responsibility for the ongoing work of UNAA nationally. (See the end of report for a list of those who have served on the Executive Committee during the past year).

 Over the past year I have continued to build links with UNAA Divisions and members around Australia. I have spoken often to professional, religious, political and other community groups, and to university and school classes, made comments to the media on current UN concerns, and written papers and several articles for newspapers and journals. I have met with Federal Government and Opposition representatives to seek further financial support for UNAA. To assist in this, a detailed funding submission was prepared to outline the range of UNAA current and proposed activities and to ask for Federal Government support of $100,000 a year. The submission emphasises UNAA’s role as educator and advocate within Australia for the UN and its activities.

In July 2007 I was delighted to chair the launch in Parliament House Canberra of the UN Report Card, an initiative of the ACT Division to highlight Australia’s role within the United Nations system. The report covered a range of topics and was prepared by different authors – academics, NGOs, people with UN experience, etc. Richard Woolcott, former Australian Ambassador to the United Nations, launched the report, and there was good media coverage. It is planned to have a regular report of this kind.

The national UNAA Executive Committee has met by telephone every few months, often with the assistance of a Federal Senator. Professor Lahrissa Behrendt and Justice Michael Kirby have accepted appointment as national Vice-Patrons of UNAA to add to the existing range of prominent citizens. David Purnell has continued his efficient and thoughtful work as National Administrator. The sustained work of the Association is founded on David’s commitment and reliability.

Federal UNAA finances have been boosted by a levy on all members, paid through the Divisions. Membership has grown to some extent around the country, and the levy is a way for the work of the Federal body to be supported. The Divisions represent the core of UNAA’s outreach around Australia, and their many activities (summarised later in this report) are essential to the health of the organisation nationally. In particular, we value the work done by the Victorian Division in hosting the Media Peace Awards each year.

Participation in public policy issues by UNAA occurs throughout the year. In the past year there has been action on the following areas of concern – the arrest of Tamils for contributing to the work of the Tamil Tigers of Eelam; the Lebanon and Gaza conflicts; the need for assistance to people fleeing Iraq as a result of the ongoing war; and the continuing plight of asylum seekers in our region. The Federal Council meeting in August 2006 passed a number of resolutions that were forwarded to the Government – nuclear weapons, and human rights in the Philippines (full details below).

UNAA has continued its links with the World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA). Julie McKay (ACT) represented UNAA at the Plenary Assembly of WFUNA in Argentina in late 2006, along with Ben McKay the president of UNYA. We endeavour to be represented at the WFUNA Executive Committee meetings, although travel costs remain a problem. With WFUNA’s support we were pleased to nominate Dr Sev Ozdowski (former Human Rights Commissioner) for a Human Rights Education Prize. We are pleased that Dr Hans Blix, president of WFUNA, will address our national conference in August 2007.

The 2006 national conference held in Sydney was a successful event in every way. There is a separate report herewith. A governance workshop held during the conference was a valued addition, and thanks are due to Elizabeth Morgan for facilitating this. The use of a conference organiser proved very valuable. The 2007 conference is being hosted by the Victorian Division.

The UN Youth Association (UNYA) remains very active and a separate report is included below. UNYA contributes well within our Divisions. The effective organisation by Ben MacKay and other leaders of the UNYA have enabled their Association to a highly effective promoter of understanding about major issues addressed by the UN.

A UN Parliamentary Group was initiated during the year, with approaches to several Members of Federal Parliament. As a result, Duncan Kerr MP has agreed to be the first chair and to call the first meeting at a suitable time shortly after the next election.

During the year UNAA made submissions to Parliament on two issues – (a) the Proscribing of Terrorist Organisations, and (b) Peacekeeping. Ron Walker has continued to represent UNAA on a planning committee for a national memorial to peacekeepers, to be located in Canberra. The Federal Government has indicated willingness to help fund the memorial, and designs are being prepared. UNAA continues to be part of the group of NGOs (the Australian Forum of Human Rights Organisations) that meet regularly with offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) about human rights issues.

On United Nations Day in 2006, the UN Information Centre (UNIC) opened in Canberra, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Alexander Downer MP, made a positive speech at the opening. UNAA will work with UNIC and the other UN agencies to help raise the profile of the UN in Australia.

The UNAA website has been further developed as a vehicle for up-to-date information on UNAA activities and policies. The weekly newsletter UNity appears on the website. The long-time editor Ian Mathews retired from the job and was succeeded by Judy Cannon who brings valued journalistic experience. Ian Mathews has been a great supporter of UNAA over many years, and his insightful editorials and creative ideas for UNAA work have been appreciated.